Dioxygen activation by an organometallic Pd(ii) precursor: formation of a Pd(iv)–OH complex and its C–O bond formation reactivity

Abstract

The complex (Me₃tacn)Pd^II(CH₂CMe₂C₆H₄) is readily oxidized by O₂ or H₂O₂ to yield the Pd^IV–OH complex [(Me₃tacn)Pd^IV(OH)(CH₂CMe₂C₆H₄)]⁺. Thermolysis of this product leads to the selective C(sp²)–O reductive elimination of 2-tert-butylphenol, no C(sp³)–O elimination product being detected. This system represents a rare example of selective C(sp²)–O bond formation that is relevant to Pd-catalyzed aerobic C–H hydroxylation reactions.